In a statement issued on Sunday, Nwaze said the proposed debate was intended to provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the leadership records of both former governors based on verifiable achievements rather than political rhetoric.
According to him, Obi declined the invitation, citing his status as a presidential candidate, but argued that the challenge was never about political ambition or party affiliation.
"The invitation was about accountability. It was about inviting two former governors to present their records before Nigerians and allow the public to judge whose leadership produced the greater impact," he said.
Nwaze maintained that governance should be measured by tangible results, adding that political aspirations should not prevent public scrutiny of elected officials' records.
The minister's aide highlighted Umahi's public service career, noting that he had served as Ebonyi State governor, senator and now Minister of Works, in addition to previously holding positions as deputy governor and chairman of political and regional governors' forums.
He said Umahi's administration in Ebonyi executed major infrastructure projects, including road networks, flyovers, bridges, hospitals, educational institutions, markets and urban renewal initiatives, which he described as visible and verifiable.
Nwaze also pointed to ongoing federal road projects under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the rehabilitation of strategic federal highways across the country.
He contrasted Umahi's record with that of Obi, stating that while the former Anambra governor is often credited with prudent financial management, Nigerians should also evaluate the physical and developmental legacies of every administration.
The statement further alleged that local government elections were not conducted in Anambra State for most of Obi's tenure, with elected council chairmen only inaugurated a few months before he left office in 2014.
Nwaze stressed that the proposed debate would have centred on measurable outcomes such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic development and institutional reforms rather than personalities or political parties.
He added that Umahi remains open to participating in the debate on any credible platform, insisting that leadership should ultimately be judged by the lasting impact of governance on the lives of the people.